the columbus space

Code of Conduct

Members and their guest are expected to be cordial and treat each other with respect without regard to gender, race, colour, creed, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Although you may have different views and opinions, if you are unable to treat others with respect regardless of those views, you are not welcome at The Space.

Those that engage in personal or sexual harassment will be removed from the Space and may be banned temporarily or permanently at the discretion of the Directors. It is understood that some things that occur at The Space may appear to be personal or sexual harassment to the common public (people outside of the alternative community). Be assured that the Directors will review each complaint individually and are made up of people who are actively engaged in alternative relationship/alternative sexuality modalities

Sexual harassment can include conduct, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that one would find to be unwanted or unwelcome by any individual.

Personal harassment means any conduct whether verbal or physical that is discriminating in nature, based upon another person’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs,religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, age or sexual orientation.

Remember: NO MEANS NO. It is the expectation of The Columbus Space that consent be obtained for any activity – touching other people, touching stuff that isn't yours, etc

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Code of Confidentiality

Attendees at the Columbus Space have the right to come to The Space and not have activities they engage in shared outside of the Space or that activity without clear consent.

Those attending any event or group at the Space are required to respect and maintain the confidentiality of individual personal information including (but not limited to) names, attendance at events, or interpersonal interaction.

Use of cell phones is prohibited in some areas and discouraged except in designated areas.

Photos are never allowed unless the specific individual permission is given and a signed waiver by anyone in being photographed is obtained.

This Code applies to all Members and their guest that attend any function (event or group) at the Space.

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Facilities and Property

If you are directly or indirectly responsible for any damage to Columbus Space property, to include equipment, structures, and miscellaneous owned items, you are financially responsible for returning it to the condition in which you first encountered it.

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Cancellation & Refund Procedure

Cancellation - In the event of an Event Cancellation, a full refund will be provided to the ticket purchaser within 15 days of notification of event cancellation.

Refund - Request for refunds will be honored at 80% of the ticket price up to (more than) 5 days before the event. Within 5 days of the event, no refund is offered. Some exceptions may apply.

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Alcohol/Drug Policy

No alcohol, illegal drugs, or illegal substances may be brought into The Space. Anyone who is noticeably affected by either alcohol or drugs will be refused admittance or asked to leave and may have membership/usage privileges suspended.

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Nicotine

Inhaled Nicotine (Smoking/E-cigs/Vaping) is prohibited anywhere inside the Columbus Space. Smoking/E-Cigs/Vaping is permitted only in the designated area.

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Firearms Policy

No firearms may be brought into The Space. This includes the parking lot or any outdoor area. Those that do will have all usage and membership privileges suspended.

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Weapons Policy

Overview: Much of what is carried into The Space might be considered a “weapon.” Therefore, a clear policy regarding dangerous goods in The Space is necessary.

Purpose: The goal is not to interfere in fun, or be overly-restrictive. The goal is to keep all the individuals who visit The Space as safe as possible.

Definitions:

Weapon – any object that is designed with a primary purpose of causing serious bodily harm. Whips are weapons, clothespins and nipple clamps are not.

Excluded Weapons - firearms (see Firearms Policy)

Deadly Weapons – weapons that can, in the hands of an unskilled combatant, cause death quickly or instantly. (e.g., blades, brass knuckles)

Dangerous Weapons– weapons that can cause serious injury but are unlikely to kill or maim in a single use. (e.g., whips, floggers, canes)

Rules:

No non-consensual violence on The Space property will be tolerated. Doing intentional non-consensual harm while on The Space property will result in an immediate ban, and possible notification of law enforcement. The duration of the ban to be determined by the Owners based on circumstance.

No genuine firearms (or other projectile weapons) of any kind are permitted on Space property, including the parking lot.

All Deadly Weapons (see definition above) must remain in a closed container (e.g., gear bag) until they are in the Playspace and safely managed in a scene. Exceptions –Folding pocket knives with a blade length under 4” may be worn on your person. Fixed Bladed Knives may be worn on your person, maintained in a sheath until use.

All Dangerous Weapons (see definition above) should be treated with caution, and should be stored with other gear until they are safely transported to the Playspace. If you want to discuss/show-off/display a Weapon please do so with caution and discretion. Maintain control and awareness of surroundings. Don't “demo” it while in Non-Playspace areas (e.g., social areas).Return it to a safe container when completed.

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Age Policy

The Columbus Space is open to adults, 19 years old or older. A valid government ID may be required for groups; they will be required by events.

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The Columbus Space is intended to be a safe gathering place where adults can find education and support in exploring their authentic self. Our Mission is to encourage personal growth, and promote healthy communication and interaction.

Below you'll find the polices we have adopted at the Columbus Space for Alternative Self Expression to assist in creating a safe and welcoming environment, as well as those that are required to comply with state and federal requirements.

No refunds will be given to anyone removed from The Columbus Space for violation of any of the following regulations.

The Columbus Space reserves the right to refuse admission to (or remove from the premises) - anyone for any reason.

Play Space Etiquette

Normal Play Space etiquette is required. Do not intrude into a scene unless specifically and verbally invited by the participants. Do not touch people or property without permission.

Play Space Monitors (PSM) must be obeyed at ALL times. If someone is breaching Play Space etiquette, your scene is being disturbed, or you are being bothered unduly, please notify a PSM (wearing orange safety vests) or Columbus Space Staff.

Toys placed on the wooden hangers are Community AIS Property. Please return them cleaned after use. For everyone's protection, we ask that you use the cleaning supplies located throughout the Play Space. If you do a wax or other messy scene, please use a tarp or drop cloth (in the designated areas only). Please clean up after your scene. Leave all equipment free of sweat, bodily fluids, wax, lubricants, etc. Bring bodily fluid contamination to the attention of a PSM or Columbus Space Staff.

Watching from a respectful distance is permitted while in the play space, but please keep all conversation, laughter and comments to a minimum. DO NOT TALK TO or INTERACT WITH the players while the scene is progressing. (Unless specifically and verbally invited.)

Play Space Monitors have will have the final say in all activity within the play space. The PSM's are permitted to stop any scene that they feel is unsafe, non-consensual, or too intense for this venue. If you are planning to do a heavy scene, resistance play scene, or scene that appears non-consensual – Please discuss it with a PSM beforehand.

If you need medical assistance please locate a PSM immediately, we have medical supplies if you need them.

The universal safewords are RED and SAFEWORD. If either word is used, the scene will be stopped immediately.

Single tail play, Wax, Messy scenes, and FirePlay, must be performed in their designated areas. Please consult a PSM for the appropriate area if you are not sure. Drop cloths, gloves, condoms, tarps, etc must be used for this sort of play.

There is a time limit on all equipment of approximately 45 min. (Please be courteous to your fellow attendees)

Purposeful cutting, piercing, and breaking of the skin (including Play Piercings, knife/scalpel use and Branding/Micro-Branding/Cell-popping) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!

Humans only - must be over the age of 19. No real animals of any kind are permitted in any area of The Columbus Space during any play party. (With the exception of Service Animals assisting disabled handlers) However, animal and age related role-playing is perfectly acceptable.

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Event Identification

Some events may require wearing of an Armband and/or Name Badge. If one is provided, it is expected to be worn at all times.

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Membership Policy

The Columbus Space is open to anyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual identify, or gender.

The Columbus Space reserves the right to refuse membership, or revoke an existing membership, to any person based on criteria set by the Directors of the Columbus Space.

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Inclement Weather/Emergencies Policy

The safety of our community is a priority for The Columbus Space. We realize there are emergency situations caused by inclement weather or other emergencies. This inclement emergency closure policy outlines how The Columbus Space will handle these situations should they arise.

Criteria used to determine closings:

If major thoroughfares have been closed due to extreme weather typically a level 2 snow emergency.

If area school systems are closed, The Columbus Space will also be closed.

Loss of Electricity, Water, Sewage.

When an emergency situation occurs where The Columbus Space is closed, all effected groups and community leaders/members in charge will be notified via phone or email if there is no response via phone. Should inclement weather occur during an event, class, party, or gathering at The Columbus Space the director team will make the determination regarding what time the business will close.

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"Vanilla" and "Chocolate" designation

Some events will be designated “Vanilla.” This means that for the entire event behavior and dress should be confined to that which would be acceptable in an average public setting. This is commonly known as the "Grandmother rule" (behavior that is appropriate around your Grandmother).

During “Chocolate” events (events that may allow some level of fetish wear or behavior), you must always maintain vanilla space and follow the grandmother rule outside of The Columbus Space building, including the parking lot and smoking area. This applies to Dress and Behavior. Offenders will be asked to leave.